DON’T stretch the meaning of the text to unusual or highly subjective interpretations.

DON’T look for codes or hidden meaning. (The one exception to that is apocalyptic texts.)

Interpret passages according to their type so that poetry is read as poetry, history is read as history, parables are parables, etc. For example, parables are not historically factual stories, but stories that bend or twist reality in an unusual way so that we look at the reality being discussed newly.

4. Fourth, recognize what shows forth Christ.

The whole of the Bible points to Jesus Christ and his saving message to us.

Lutherans are Jesus people and the Bible is a Jesus book.

We worship Jesus, not the Bible.

5. Fifth, scripture interprets scripture.

Individual scripture passages (some difficult, even contradictory) are interpreted in the light of the whole Bible’s central message and themes.

We avoid isolating passages as proof texts.

Some scripture is more important than other scripture.

The plain meaning of the text – scripture is understood in the sense that would seem obvious to their original readers. It respects their context and how they would have heard and experienced the passage.

6. Sixth, look for both law and gospel.

Look for messages throughout the Bible of both law (that which accuses and judges us; commandments) and gospel (that which comforts and saves us; promises).

Texts may function as either or both.

7. Seventh, seek public interpretation.

Passages should first seek the public meaning of the text – what it would mean to all people.

Listening to folks from cultures and generations other than our own ensures that our sense of public is not too narrow.

Then we can ask what it means for us – consistent with what it means for everyone.